Digitalization of ship drawings and digitalization of electrical drawings: a complete guide (SOLAS, IMO, EU) — why it is now critical and how to do it right
- Remy Mägi
- 3 days ago
- 8 min read
Digitalization of ship drawings and digitalization of electrical drawings have become one of the most important topics in the entire shipping industry today. There is a quiet but very real shift from paper to digital — not just for convenience, but also for compliance (SOLAS, IMO, EU) and safety. International maritime regulations, class surveys and digital surveillance make the digitalization of ship drawings now inevitable.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain what has changed (SOLAS, IMO, EU initiatives), which drawings are affected (electrical diagrams, general and fire safety plans, piping, HVAC, structural, etc.), and what are the best technical practices (DWG/DXF, Xref, dynamic blocks and attributes) to ensure your work is scalable and auditable.
What has changed: key regulatory drivers
SOLAS II-1/3-7: “As-built” structural drawings on board and ashore. All ships the construction of which commenced on or after 1 January 2007 shall keep on board a complete set of as-built structural drawings , including subsequent amendments, and a second set shall be kept at the company’s shore office. In practice, this is increasingly being solved by digital archiving (DWG/PDF) to ensure quick availability and version control. ImoRules
MSC/Circ.1135: which drawings are included in the set. The IMO Maritime Committee circular specifies the list of as-built drawings that must be kept on board and ashore (e.g. general plans/GA, steel structure drawings, sections, plans, cut-outs). This framework helps owners and shipbuilders understand what the “minimum set” must be for 2007+ ships. Deutsche Flagge
SOLAS II-2/15: Availability of fire and rescue plans. SOLAS requires that a duplicate of the fire plans be permanently stored in a weatherproof, marked cabinet outside the superstructure so that shore-side rescuers can immediately retrieve the information. This has also led to a trend towards the use of digital base material (PDF/DWG) to print up-to-date copies and distribute them electronically. ImoRules
IMO Electronic Certificates (FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2). IMO has officially approved guidelines for the use of electronic certificates that support the digitalization of shipping documents (including control options, unique tracking numbers, verification). Although this primarily concerns certificates, the direction is clear: technical documentation (drawings) must also be systematically managed and quickly verified digitally. IMO+2International Maritime Organization+2
Modernising EU maritime safety (2023 package). The European Commission has tabled proposals that will encourage the digitalisation of flag and port state control and the introduction of electronic certificates — a move that will increase the pressure for the digital availability of all documentation (including drawings). Mobility and Transport+2gCaptain+2
Class societies' digital processes. DNV and other class societies offer e-Approval/plan approval environments where documentation is uploaded, status is tracked, and approved versions are downloaded — this assumes that the drawings are in the correct digital format and with metadata.
Who does this apply to?
The trend is independent of ship type — cruise ships, ro-pax/ferries, container and bulk carriers, tankers, LNG/LPG, offshore support vessels, fishing vessels, etc. The practical impact may vary (e.g. broader safety plan requirements for passenger ships, more detailed P&IDs and safety systems for tankers), but digital documentation will simplify flag/port state inspections, class audits, maintenance and conversions alike.
Digitalization of ship drawings and digitalization of electrical drawings in practice
The digitalization of ship drawings includes the transfer of structural, ventilation and safety plans into accurate DWG/DXF files. The same principle applies to the digitalization of electrical drawings , where paper diagrams, switchboard plans and cable routes are transferred to CAD format. This approach ensures that all systems are comparable, scalable and usable on e-Approval platforms.
Properly executed digitalization of ship drawings creates the foundation for all technical documentation, while digitalization of electrical drawings ensures that all systems – from switchboards to automation – are comparable and standardized.
Which drawings should be digitized?
(recommended minimum and “good practice”)
General arrangements (GA): deck plans, sections, profiles, room layout.
Structural drawings: body steel structure, sections, longitudinal sections, strength details.
Fire Control Plans (FCP): in accordance with SOLAS and IMO symbols (A.952(23), A.1116(30)). IMO+2IMO+2
Electrical diagrams: single-line diagrams, distribution cabinets, cable routes, sub-distribution and UPS diagrams, automation/SCADA IO tables.
P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation): fuel, ballast, fresh water, waste water, sewage, firefighting, foam systems, CO₂ and Inergen systems, air and switching valves.
HVAC/ventilation: air flows, ducts, coolers/heat exchangers, smoke extraction.
Engine room plans and equipment layout: main engines, generators, pumps, heat exchangers.
Navigation and bridge layout drawings: consoles, cable tags, sensor locations.
Evacuation diagrams, security cameras and security systems: in accordance with IMO marking.
Bills of materials (BOM) and equipment data sheets: linked to DWG/DXF drawings with metadata.
Why invest now? 6 business-critical benefits
Compliance and auditability. Digital drawings make it easier to meet SOLAS II-1/3-7, II-2/15 and inspection system requirements; inspectors can find what they need faster.
Safety and speed of response. In emergencies or drills, critical information is found in seconds; duplicates are easily printed and shared.
Maintenance and lifecycle management. As-built “single truth” minimizes inconsistencies; changes are committed to a single master database.
Remodels and class inspections. Digital documentation speeds up plan approval and reduces rounds.
Next generation processes. E-certificates, e-logbooks and digital inspection rely on correct underlying data. International Maritime Organization
Risk and cost reduction. The risk of paper destruction/loss is eliminated; version management and backup are standard.
Technical best practices: DWG/DXF, Xref, version control
DWG/DXF + PDF/A.
Save “working files” in DWG/DXF format and output in PDF/A for review and distribution. Define layer standards (e.g. ELECTR_, HVAC_, PIPING_, SAFETY_), scale drawings and block books.
Xref (external reference) as a base.
We recommend keeping the ship's architectural/structural base plan as a separate DWG and referencing it in all utility system drawings via an external reference/Xref . Like this:
if the base plan changes, all system drawings are automatically updated ;
avoids the situation where someone “accidentally” changes the base plan in the wrong DWG;
The scalability of teamwork is improved (each system separately, one common foundation).
Dynamic blocks and attributes (why they are powerful).
What is it? CAD blocks that contain editable parameters and attributes (e.g. device name, serial number, cable cross-section, fuse size, location code).
Why is it useful? The diagram is not redrawn during changes — only the values (attribute/parameter) are changed, reducing human error and keeping symbols standard.
Examples: fuse/earth leakage circuit breaker data in electrical diagrams; “field = power cable, cross-section, fuse” in a distribution cabinet; valve type/ID, actuator, opening in a P&ID; device flow rate/kPa in HVAC.
Link to metadata: Attributes can be linked to bills of materials and maintenance databases (CMMS/EAM) to automatically generate reports.
If you are looking for a partner who performs accurate and systematic drawing, also check out Ruut24's technical drawing digitization service , where we use the same working principles as in the digitization of ship drawings and the digitization of electrical drawings - hand-made, accurate and auditable DWG files.
Systematic workflow for digitizing large ship drawings
Audit and mapping. List existing paper and PDF drawings, select master version, identify deficiencies (compliance with MSC/Circ.1135 list). Deutsche Flagge
Scanning and vectorization. High-resolution scan + manual overwriting/overdrawing (no “autotrace”) to ensure accuracy.
DWG master and Xref structure. Architecture/construction as a base, systems as separate DWGs; sheet sets, references to symbol book and legends.
Symbols and attributes. Portfolio standardization (IMO symbols for FCP; marine electrical symbols), dynamic blocks, attribute fields.
Quality control. Clash-check (e.g. cable duct routes vs. ventilation), scale drawings, coordinate systems, control prints.
Handover. DWG + PDF/A, legends, symbol book, Xref map; short training for team and partners.
Continuous maintenance and changes. Define a change flow (MOC) so that all “as-built” improvements reach the master and duplicates — onboard + ashore.
FAQ
Are existing ships (built before 2007) required to digitize all drawings?
There is no direct obligation with a date, but SOLAS requirements for as-built drawings (2007+) and the EU/IMO digitalization trend (e-certificates, digital inspections) create a practical need — paper alone is no longer enough and a digital solution also simplifies compliance requirements.
Does the fire safety plan have to be on paper?
SOLAS requires the physical presence of a duplicate in an outdoor weatherproof cabinet; a digital source helps ensure that the latest version is always printed and that the digitalization of the fire safety plan meets the SOLAS standard.
Does Ruut24 offer a separate electrical drawing digitization service?
Yes. We digitize all electrical diagrams manually in AutoCAD – single-line diagrams, distribution cabinets, UPS diagrams and cable routes. This type of electrical drawing digitization meets the requirements of e-Approval systems and class associations.
What file formats does Ruut24 use?
We work primarily in DWG/DXF and PDF/A formats. We can also create DWF or IFC files if required for use in BIM or management systems. All files are editable and suitable for e-Approval systems.
How long does it take to digitize drawings?
It depends on the number and complexity of drawings — individual plans are completed in 1–3 days, larger projects (e.g. 1000+ drawings) are planned based on a precise work process and schedule.
Can drawings be changed or supplemented after delivery?
Yes. All drawings are editable as DWG files. We make changes and additions until the client is completely satisfied with the result.
How is the accuracy and quality of drawings ensured?
All digitizations are done manually (manual tracing), not using automated tracing. We use an Xref structure, scale and layer standard, and perform multiple quality checks before final approval.
Does Ruut24 also do large-scale projects?
Yes. We also handle projects with over 1000 drawings. We create a work plan, manage the entire project from start to finish, and ensure that all stages meet the schedule and quality standards.
Does Ruut24 also offer project management services during digitalization?
Yes. We coordinate the entire drawing digitization process: we review all files, set priorities, keep the client informed of progress, and ensure that all completed drawings are systematically archived and auditable.
Does Ruut24 also help with scanning paper drawings and preparing a digital archive?
Yes. If necessary, we will guide the scanning process or create a complete digital archive that meets SOLAS II-1/3-7 requirements. This includes creating a file naming standard and archive folder structure.
Will my drawings remain confidential?
Yes. All files are treated strictly confidentially. We use secure file exchange (OneDrive, SharePoint or encrypted link) and comply with GDPR data protection requirements.
Ruut24 — digitalization of ship drawings
Ruut24 (Ruut24 OÜ, www.ruut24.com ) digitizes all drawings used on a ship : floor plans, structural drawings, electrical diagrams (single-line, distribution cabinets, cable routes), P&ID piping diagrams (fuel, ballast, fresh water, waste water, fire extinguishing, foam system, CO₂/Inergen), HVAC/ventilation plans, evacuation and fire safety plans (with IMO symbols), layout drawings, views and sections , etc. Ruut24 offers a professional ship drawing digitization and electrical drawing digitization service that meets international maritime standards and class society requirements.
We work manually, accurately and scalable (DWG, PDF), implement Xref structure , version management and dynamic blocks/attributes .
Dynamic attributes – fast and safe updating. Dynamic blocks with attributes: device symbols are in blocks, the attributes of which contain details (ID, technical specifications, cable cross-section, protection, codes). For example, TAG or NUM, etc. If something changes, we change the value , not the symbol itself — this way the diagrams remain consistent.
Xref as a safe base. The ship's base plan is a separate file and all systems refer to it. When the ship changes, it changes everywhere ; the base file is not accidentally changed in the wrong DWG. The result is compliance, speed and auditability .
Full service – from start to finish. Ruut24 takes care of the entire digitization process. The client only provides scanned or PDF files — we:
we review all drawings thoroughly;
we organize and rename files systematically;
we prepare a project plan and work schedule;
we manage the entire digitalization process from start to finish;
we provide an ongoing overview of what is completed and what is in progress;
We make changes and additions to the drawings until the client is 100% satisfied .
We also handle large projects with 1000+ drawings in one project . For such projects, we create clear timelines, coordinate all stages, and ensure that the work is completed accurately and transparently, on time, and to the agreed standard.
Outputs and file management: DWG/DXF, PDF/A, legends, symbol book, sheet sets, naming standard, metadata; if necessary, we create a folder structure in OneDrive, SharePoint, Procore or Asite environments.
Summary
Digitalization of ship drawings and digitalization of electrical drawings have become an inevitable step for every ship owner, designer and maintenance team. Requirements from SOLAS, IMO and EU are driving the entire maritime industry towards an increasingly digital future, where accurate, standardized and updatable documentation is the basis for safety and compliance.
Ruut24 offers a full professional service for digitizing ship drawings and electrical drawings — from scanning paper drawings to creating DWG and PDF files, version management and building a digital archive. We work internationally, worldwide, regardless of the language or format of the original files.
Contact: info@ruut24.com
See more information: www.ruut24.com
We digitize all ship and building drawings, electrical diagrams, ventilation and piping systems and create a professional digital archive that remains accurate over time, auditable and fully compliant with international standards.
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